WE ARE SATELLITES

Bernadette Dunne's energetic narration is a good match for this thought-provoking sci-fi novel about the consequences of Pilots, new brain implants designed to increase one's focus. The story is told through the points of view of four characters: teacher Val, who doesn't want a Pilot; her wife, Julie, who loves hers; and their two kids--David, whose Pilot malfunctions, and Sophie, an anti-Pilot activist. Dunne's natural, forthright tone makes it easy to sink into the story, which unfolds over many years. She conveys the various struggles of the main characters; her voicings of Sophie's youthful optimism and David's Pilot-induced frustration are especially good. The accents she uses for secondary characters are sometimes forced and awkward, but her ability to bring the main characters to life makes this an engaging listen. L.S. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2021]